Police Nab Suspected Baron, Recover Hard Drugs; Foil Bandits’ Attack, Recover Rustled Cattle
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected drug baron with a large consignment of hard drugs, and the foiling of a coordinated bandit attack in the state.
The command in a statement by Ahmad Rufa’i, on Tuesday, said the operation led to the recovery of some rustled livestock and arrest of a suspect.
The statement said on May 27, 2026, at about 7:00 PM, Police patrol team attached to Bado Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty along the Kebbi-Sokoto Road, intercepted two men riding an unregistered Daylong motorcycle.
“The suspects, who exhibited suspicious behaviour, were identified as Ummaru Abubakar Gugare, and one Ummaru. Both hail from Bagarawa, Bodinga Local Government Area.
“Upon searching the suspects, the patrol team discovered a heavy sack containing a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian Hemp, as well as ten rubber containers packed with Axzol Tab, Benthexol Tablets B.P 5mg, and a large quantity of D5 Tablets all classified as controlled hard drugs.
“Ummaru Abubakar Gugare was promptly arrested, while the second suspect, identified only as Ummaru, escaped. All exhibits have been taken into custody, and a manhunt is underway.
“Similarly, On May 30th, 2026, at about 3:00 AM, a distress call was received that armed bandits in large numbers had invaded Zabori Village, Tambaranga Village, and Gidan Yero Village – all in Wamakko Local Government Area, bordering Tangaza LGA.
“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit was immediately mobilized, strategically blocking the bandits’ exit route at Abdalo Forest in Gwadabawa LGA and engaging them in a fierce gun duel.”
According to the statement, the bandits were overpowered and forced to escape into a nearby forest, many with bullet wounds.
However, one suspect identified as Musa Usman of Damba Village, Illela Local Government Area, was arrested, while eleven cows and five sheep were recovered.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Hayatu Hassan, Shaffa, has commended the Bado Division patrol team for its vigilance and the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of illicit substances and drug trafficking networks, as well as banditry and cattle rustling.
“These successes are significant blows to criminal cartels operating in our state whether drug barons or armed bandits.
“However, the fight against drug abuse, trafficking, banditry, and cattle rustling requires collective effort. I call on the good people of the Caliphate to continue supporting the Police with credible, timely, and actionable intelligence.
“Citizens are urged to report any information on the fleeing suspect from the drug operation, or any person(s) with fresh bullet wounds or suspicious livestock transactions.
“Together, we will dismantle every criminal network threatening our peace and security.”
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